Kool Kongsi Casual Dining and Listening Bar
Hidden away in a boutique hotel is a new casual dining restaurant and listening bar that is waiting to be discovered. Located on the mezzanine floor of Mokozoyo Hotel, Kool Kongsi Dining offers a delightful fusion of Western and Asian flavors in a vibrant industrial setting, surrounded by lush greenery. Explore their diverse menu designed for a modern plate, creating a perfect balance between casual and refined.
Amongst their signature creations are Potato Croquettes with Tobiko Mayo & Caviar, Kongsi Bikini Sandwich, Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri, Seared Tuna with Puttanesca, Tapenade, Spring Onion, Kolo Mee – Capellini, Crispy Ebi, Spring Onion, Ikura, -Snapper with Caviar Shaoxing – Baby Potatoes, Vegetable, Rack of Lamb with Red Barley, Pickled Courgette, Mint Salsa Verde.
To pair with the dishes, they have a limited wine list with a selection from old and new world wines. It is interesting to note that the labels are unique and not the conventional ones you find ubiquitously. For desserts, you can choose between Tiramisu, Crème Brulee with Berries or Panna Cotta with Candied nuts, Baileys Cream. Overall, we had a decent dining experience but were not wowed by the taste of the food or ambiance.
After dinner, we proceeded to the Listening Bar located just adjacent to the restaurant. It is understood to be Penang’s first listening bar where the emphasis is on listening rather than talking. Unlike typical bars or nightclubs where music is often background noise or part of a social atmosphere, listening bars emphasize the appreciation of music as a main activity. Patrons come to listen attentively to the music being played, often enjoying carefully curated playlists, live performances, or DJ sets. Conversations are generally kept to a minimum or whispered to maintain the focus on the music.
Besides music, the bar serves cocktails, liquor and snack food. The cocktails we ordered were exceptionally curated, kudos to the mixologist. It remains to be seen if this movement will pick up momentum or turn heads.
For booking/reservations, visit their website here.
